Second-hand medical equipment importers seek review of DRAP's new import policy

The Pakistan Second-Hand Medical Equipment Importers Association has raised objections to a recent notification issued by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), calling on the regulator to review the policy through meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders.

In a joint media statement, the Association said notification No. 1-1/2026/DD-MDMC addresses the import of refurbished medical devices but leaves out used, or second-hand, medical equipment — which it said currently meets nearly 90% of the operational requirements of Pakistan's private healthcare sector, including hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres.

The statement was issued by Association representatives Khalid Rafiq Chaudhry, Masroor Ahmed Khan, Abdul Wahab Rafique, Naveed Ahmad and Mian Miraj.

They said quality second-hand medical equipment plays a vital role in strengthening healthcare delivery in Pakistan by making modern medical technology more affordable. Because such equipment costs significantly less than new devices, they said, it allows private healthcare institutions to set up and upgrade diagnostic and treatment facilities at lower cost, easing the financial burden on patients.

The Association warned that any restrictions or uncertainty around the import of second-hand equipment could carry serious economic and social consequences. It said hundreds of import businesses and allied enterprises could face operational difficulties, while thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers in the sector risk losing their jobs. 

It added that reduced availability of affordable equipment could hinder the expansion and modernisation of healthcare facilities, particularly small and medium-sized private hospitals serving communities across the country.

The representatives said the Association and other key stakeholders should have been consulted before the notification was issued, arguing that effective regulatory reform requires transparent stakeholder engagement to ensure policies are practical and aligned with the realities of the healthcare and medical equipment sectors.

The Association called on the federal government and DRAP to revisit the notification and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that clearly defines the status and import mechanism for both second-hand and refurbished medical equipment. It said such a framework should safeguard patient safety while ensuring healthcare providers across the country continue to have uninterrupted access to affordable, quality equipment.

The Association further urged the government to institutionalise a consultative process for all future legislation, regulations and policy decisions affecting the medical equipment sector, so that industry views are reflected before implementation. 

It expressed confidence that constructive dialogue between regulators and stakeholders would help produce policies that protect public health, support economic activity, preserve employment, and strengthen Pakistan's healthcare infrastructure.